On further reflection

Photos

Photo: Sascha Kohlmann, via flickr

“Look up already — from your iPhones” is what Archbishop Timothy Dolan recently said on that big device — the tube. Which itself often needs much looking away from, even from G-rated sporting events. But in essence, the archbishop said, look up from those devices, to allow time for reflection about things that matter, what’s happening outside your own world, or as one Protestant confession prayer repents“about things left undone.” Incidentally, this may well relate to the forthcoming May 13 sermon by Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church’s new senior pastor, Jenny McDevitt, entitled“Don’t forget to look up.”

But about things left undone or unseen really by those who look down a whole lot — except we all better look down when crossing the washboard-like cross streets. Now there may be a law not to walk and look down at a device to save life and limb, but the archbishop meant to save — what? Well, reflection, he said. Some undoubtedly likely to bring people together. And doesn’t the city around us need big time reflection — not least those washboard streets?

And looking out city bus windows is a great way to reflect on city conditions – by far the best traveling way to see the neighborhoods we pass - preferably from a pokey bus window. W-h -a-a-t? Yes, I said pokey. Pokey is safer and better to see what‘s going on out there. Ah, a brief sidetrack to recall how once people did look out the window when not reading a newspaper — ah, newspapers, a uniting as well as an educational force. Both newspapers and window views are needed to tell us what’s really happening out there. And let’s reflect about that.

But too few of us saw, let alone acted, about more and more empty storefronts out there - the places that supplied everyday needs and other retail shops and restaurants, once affordable and in wondrous profusion. Now there are also more empty faith group buildings. Oh you know what I mean — it’s been said here countless times – all these people gathering places which make this city so livable and connected. And don’t forget accessible. If the Americans with Disability Act only somehow covered this basic life need. But advocates for elder and disabled persons should do some serious reflection, especially with the rapidly growing 85-plus citizenry.

But every age group should be reflecting, if especially young people, about how connected and yes, multigenerational communities are also safer ones. It takes a village and that really takes reflection and action. But for starters, action is easily taken on these and other basic needs, by calling elected officials and community boards whose numbers are listed in this paper’s Useful Contacts column. As Archbishop Dolan and Pastor McDevitt remind us, “Reflect” and “Don’t forget to look up!”

Hey, and maybe attend faith group services after the Easter and Passover season. And this column again reminds, “It can be done if enough us try.”